Sectional ball puzzle



arch 24, 1936.

W. H. PEFFLEY SECTIONAL BALL PUZZLE Filed Dec. 31, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet l 1 VIII/g g? ATTORNEY March 24, 1956. W, H PEFFLEY 2,034,830

SECTIONAL BALL PUZZLE Filed Dec. 31, 1954 K 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR, 0 BY 4A; A TTORNEY Patented Mar. 24, 1936 iJNi'iED STATES PATENT @FFEQE SECTIONAL BALL PUZZLE William H. Peffley, Dayton, Ohio Application December 31, 1934, Serial No. 759,848

4 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in puzzles, and particularly those comprising a sphere formed of interlocking quartered spherical sectors and segments of varying shapes.

The principal object of my invention, in its preferred form, is to provide an assembly of interlocking laminations, the first of which are assembled to form intersecting planes at right angles to each other. To these laminations other interlocking laminations are applied, and finally, to the completed lamination assembly, divided spherical sectors are applied to complete the sphere and secure all of the parts thereof into one spherical unit. By thus forming the core of the sphere of varying laminations, and further dividing each lamination into lesser interlocking parts, I have provided a puzzle that will require considerable patience and skill to assemble.

In the accompanying drawings illustrating my invention in its preferred form, Figure 1 is a view of the assembled sphere, showing the edges of the interlocking laminations. Figure 2 is a View of the foundation lamination or starter. Figure 3 is a sectional View taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1 and showing the next step in the assembly. Figure 4 is a sectional View taken on the line 34 of Figure 1 and showing the next step in the assembly. Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 55 of Figure 1 and showing a further step in the assembly. Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 1 and showing the next step in the assembly. Figure 7 is a sectional view taken on the line of Figure 1 and showing another step in the assembly. Figure 8 is a sectional view taken on the line 88 of Figure 1 and showing the next advanced step in the assembly. Figure 9 is a sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 1 and showing a further step in' the assembly. Figure 10 is a sectional View taken on the line 19-18 of Figure 1 and showing the last laminations in place in one plane. Figure 11 is a sectional view taken on the line l l-! l of Figure 1 and showing the last lamination in place in the plane at right angles to the section line i5!@ and ready to receive the interlocking sectors. Figure 12 is a view of the semi-circular core lamination that is notched to receive the marginal edge of the starter. Figure 13 is a view of the core member that is inserted in the center leg of the starter. Figure 14 is a view of a peripheral lamination and a wedge lamination joined together. Figure 15 is a view of a quarter circular lamination connected to another quarter circular lamination.

Figure 16 is a view of a semi-circular lamination which is fitted in a slot in the core member shown in Figure 13. Figure 1'7 is a View of a complementary semi-circular lamination that is also inserted in the core member illustrated in 5: Figure 13. Figure 18 is a view of a quarter circular filler lamination having a hook shaped projection that is fitted in a recess in a complementary lamination. Figure 19 is a view of a quarter-circular segment having an elongated 10 slotted lock portion that receives a key extension on another quarter circular segment. Figure 20 is a view of a recessed quarter circular lamination. Figure 21 is a view of a quarter circular lamination formed with a square projec- 15 tion on one of its radial faces. Figure 22 is a view of a lamination having a radial slot in its straight face to fit the core member illustrated in Figure 13. Figure 23 showsaquartercircularlamination joined to a segment. Figure 24 is a view 20 of a segmental lamination in locking engagement with a smaller segmental lamination. Figure 25 is a view of a semi-circular lamination formed with a radial notch which fits the core member illustrated in Figure 13. Figure 26 is a 25 lamination locked to a small segment. Figure 2'7 is a view of a segment lamination having a shank projection in engagement with a smaller segment. Figure 28 is a view of two quarter-circular laminations secured together. Figure 29 is a 30 view of a segmental lamination that is secured to a complemental lamination by a key extension. Figure 30 is a view of two interlocking laminations. Figure 31 is a View of two connected final laminations that complete the core struc- 35 ture of the sphere. And Figure 32 is a perspective view of a spherical sector for locking the assembled laminations together.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings for a detailed description of my invention and 40 the assembly thereof, the numeral I designates the starter or foundation member comprising a disc 2 having formed in the center thereof a T slot 3 whose center leg 4 extends through the periphery of the disc and whose legs intersect at 45 the center of the latter.

With the starter I in a vertical position as shown in Figure 3, a semi-circular core lamination 5 is inserted through the cross slot of the T slot 3 and moved outwardly to form a portion of the periphery of the sphere. This core lamination 5 is essentially semi-circular as shown in Figure 12, and has provided in its circular edge a notch 6 to receive the marginal edge of the starter I at the ends of the cross slot therein. 55

In its opposite straight edge another open slot 1 is formed, and adjacent the latter, a similar rectangular opening 8 is provided.

Following the assembly of the core lamination with the starter I, another core member 9 is inserted in the center leg 4 to form a third plane at right angles to each of the members and 5. This core lamination 9 as shown in Figure 12, is essentially circular and has equally spaced on its periphery indented fiat or straight faces l9, and between each straight face l9 and the center of the lamination, a quarter-circular opening H. Formed in one of the axial portions l2 between adjacent openings I I, II, is an open slot l3 extending from the periphery of the disc to the center thereof. Within this slot the solid portion of the starter opposite the center leg 4 is received. In one side of the axial portion l4, opposite the axial portion I2, I have provided a notch IE to receive a subsequent part of the puzzle, and in the circular peripheral portion of the lamination, between the axial portions l2 and I4, other notches l6, and I8 to receive other laminations. (See Figures 3 and 13.)

With the core 9 held in a vertical position as shown in Figure 3, a peripheral lamination H! is next inserted in the end of the T slot 3 opposite to the core lamination 5. The lamination I 9 has formed in its curved edge an open slot 29 to receive the starter at the end of the cross slot 3, and by which the former is held in place. Next a wedge lamination 2| is inserted through this slot 3 between the core member 9 and the inner tapering face 22 of the lamination l9. This wedge lamination forces the lamination 9 outwardly to its correct position. Formed on one end of the wedge lamination 2| is an ear 23 that is received in the notch I6 of the core lamination 9, and near its center the inner edge of the lamination 2| has therein an open slot 24 to receive a subsequent lamination. (See Figures 3, 13 and 14.)

Referring now to Figure 4, the partially assembled puzzle is held with the core member 9 horizontal to receive through the opening 8 in the lamination 5 a hook-shaped projection 25 formed on one side of a quarter circular filler lamination 26. On the side of the lamination 5 opposite the quarter circular portion 27 of the lamination 26, the hook-shaped projection 25 is received by a similar recess 28 formed in a complementary lamination 39 assembled thereon, thus completing the semi-circle above the core 9. (See Figures 4. and 18.)

Below the core 9 there is a similar quarter circular lamination 3| having an elongated hooklike projection 32 whose outer tip 33 extends to the surface of the sphere. This projection 32 is inserted through the slot 24 in the wedge lamination 2|, and receives between it and the latter another quarter circular lamination 34 whose inner face 35 is notched to the profile of the projection 32. (See Figures 4 and 15.)

Referring now to Figures 5 and 12 for the next progressive step in the assembling of my puzzle, a semi-circular lamination 36 is next inserted, a slot 31 in its inner face being received in the recess IQ of the core 9. Also formed in the side of this lamination is an offset 38 extending to the periphery of the lamination.

Below the starter a complementary semicircular lamination 39 is inserted. This lamination has therein a radial slot 49 extending to its inner face 4|, and permitting its insertion over the core 9 for reception by the slot iii in the latter. At one side of the slot 49 the inner face 4| is offset to form a recess 42 when assembled in the puzzle.

The next step in the assembly, as shown in Figure 6, is accomplished by the insertion of a quarter-circular segment 43 having an elongated lock portion 44 that passes through the openings 42 and l to the opposite side of the core lamination 5. Beyond the lamination 5 the lock portion 44 has formed in its outer face a dove-tailed slot 45 to receive therein a quarter circular lamination 46 provided with a key extension 4'! that is received by the slot 45.

Above the core member 9 I have provided a quarter circular lamination 48 formed with a square projection 49 on one of its radial faces, and at the inner end thereof. This projection 49 is received by the notch IE) to secure the segment within the assembly. Near the outer end of the other radial side of the lamination 48 is an open slot 50 to engage a lamination later to be added.

Opposite the lamination 48, as shown in Figure 6, is another quarter-circular lamination 5|, having formed at each end of its radial side 52, adjacent the members l9 and 2|, recesses 53 and 54 to receive therein subsequent laminations. (See Figures 6 and 20.)

In Figure 7 a semi-circular lamination 55 is inserted, a radial notch 56 receiving the core 9. On its inner straight face 5'! projections 5-8 and 59 are provided for reception in the recesses 53 and 54 respectively to hold these members in inter-locking engagement. Adjacent the projection 59 I have formed in the periphery of the segment a short recess 68 to receive another lamination later to be added.

oppositely disposed to the lamination 55 is a similar lamination 6!, and likewise having a radial slot 62 in its inner straight face 63. In this slot the core 9 is received, the lamination 6| entering the slot H in the core. Also formed at one end of the face 63 is a recess 84 to interlock a lamination 65 next to be added.

Referring now to Figure 8, I have shown the segment lamination 65 having an elongated portion 66 that passes through one of the openings II in the core 9. Beyond the latter the portion 66 is provided with a recess 61 in its outer face to receive in locking engagement a key portion 68 formed on the inner face of a smaller segment lamination 69. At the end of the segment 65, opposite its elongated portion 69, there is formed on its inner face a lug received by the recess 54. (See Figures 8, 22 and 24.) Opposite the laminations E5 and 69 is a similar quarter circular lamination 1| having a shank 12 that extends through another one of the openings II to receive beyond it a lesser segment 73 having a key projection 74 that is received by a dovetailed slot in the shank 12. (See Figures 8, 13 and 23.)

In the sectional view, Figure 9, I have shown a segment lamination 16 applied, and having a shank projection 11 that extends through another of the openings H in the core 9. Beyond the core 9 it is locked in place by a smaller segment '18 that engages the lamination 19.

In order to assemble the next lamination 19, which is shown in Figure 9, the lamination 48 is partially removed to allow a projection 80 on the lamination 19 to enter the recess 59. This latter lamination 19 has a shank projection 8| that projects through another one of the openings II in the core 9. Beyond the core the shank 8| is locked in place by a smaller segment 82 that engages it. (See Figures 9 and 26.)

Next in order, as shown in Figure 10, quartercircular laminations 83 and 84 are applied over the laminations 43 and 48, the lamination 84 having an ofiset portion 85 that projects through another one of the openings H in the core 9 and beyond which it engages the other segment 83.

Also applied over the face of the segments 46 and 5| are interlocking laminations 86 and 81 as shown in Figure 10. The lamination 86 is first inserted through one of the openings l l in the core 9, and receives the latter in a recess 88 formed in its outer curved face 89. The other lamination 81 is approximately quarter circular and has an elongated extension 90 that is also inserted through the opening ll behind the lamination 86 to force it outwardly. When thus assembled they are securely locked in place. (See Figures 10 and 30.)

Finally, as shown in Figure 11, a segment lamination 9| is applied over the face of the lamination 6 I. This lamination 9| has a key extension 92 that passes through one of the openings I l in the core 9 to receive beyond the latter a complemental lamination 93.

Below the laminations 86 and 81, final laminations 94 and 95 are applied to complete the core structure of the sphere. The lamination 94 comprises a quarter-circular segment 96 having a key extension 91 that projects through one of the openings II in the core 9. Beyond the core 9 the complemental segment 95 is inserted. This segment 95 has on its inner face 98 a key projection 99 to engage the extension 91. (See Figures 11 and 31.)

The assembled laminations as shown in Figure 11 are now ready to be locked together. For this purpose I employ spherical sectors H10, each of which is provided on its inner face with a tongue Hll that is essentially quarter-circular in cross section. (See Figure 32.) These sectors I00 are inserted by a firm endwise movement, the tongue of each sector entering the remainder of the open spaces H in the core 9. The complete sphere will now appear as shown in Figure 1.

I do not wish to be limited to the details of construction and arrangement herein shown and described, and any changes or alterations, such as variations in the number, size and shape of the spherical sectors and segments, may be made within the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A puzzle comprising a spherical assembly made up of a startingdisc formed with a T-slot at its center, a semi-circular core lamination inserted through the cross portion of said T-slot, a circular core lamination inserted in the center leg of the T-slot to form a third plane at right angles to the stationary disc and the semi-circular core lamination, and a plurality of slotted and notched sector and segmental sections progressively fitted to said core assembly to form a sphere. A

2. A puzzle comprising a spherical assembly made up of a starting disc formed with a T-slot at its center, a semi-circular core lamination inserted through the cross portion of said T-slot, a circular core lamination inserted in the center leg of the T-slot of the disc to form a third plane at right angles to the starting disc and the semicircular core lamination, a plurality of slotted. and notched sector and segmental sections progressively fitted to said core assembly, and spherical segments for locking the assembled sections together to form a sphere.

3. A puzzle comprising a spherical assembly made up of a starting disc formed with a T-slot at its center, a notched and slotted semi-circular core lamination inserted through the cross portion of said T-slot, a circular core lamination formed with notches in its periphery and with openings in its face portion, the last-named core lamination insertable in the center leg of the T-slot in the disc to form a third plane at right angles to the starting disc and semi-circular core lamination, a plurality of slotted and notched segmental sections progressively fitted to said core assembly, and spherical segments for locking the assembled sections together to form a sphere.

4. A puzzle comprising a spherical assembly made up of a starting disc formed with a T-slot at its center, a core lamination inserted through the cross portion of said T-slot, a second core lamination inserted in the center leg of the T-slot to form a third plane at right angles to said disc and the first core lamination, and a plurality of sector and segmental sections progressively fitted to said core assembly to form asphere.

WILLIAM H. PEFFLEY. 

